Heriot-Watt University has announced plans for a new Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling (CSBD) in Edinburgh and is seeking to raise £35 million to support the project.
The proposed centre will replace the university’s longstanding International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD), aiming to equip the brewing and distilling industries with the tools to adapt to environmental and economic pressures.
Established in 1989, the ICBD has trained many of the industry’s leading figures, including BrewDog co-founder Martin Dickie, Arbikie’s Master Distiller Kirsty Black, and David Wilkinson of Edinburgh Gin.
The new facility is planned as a low-carbon “living laboratory”, designed to run on clean energy and constructed using sustainable materials. It will feature testbeds for trialling production methods, specialist research labs focused on circular economy techniques, and a hub for supporting small businesses and startups.
Professor Gillian Murray, Deputy Principal for Business and Enterprise at Heriot-Watt, said: “Heriot-Watt’s association with teaching brewing and distilling dates back to 1903. However, it was over 35 years ago that our unique brewing and distilling teaching and research facility – recognised by the Institute of Brewing and Distilling – was established.
“Ever since it has been home to vibrant research and unique innovation that has revolutionised both industries. Our teaching provides the perfect breeding ground for groundbreaking new ideas from the brights and best students – from use of raw materials and fermentation to chemical engineering, bottling, packaging and marketing.
“Our links with business also provide graduates and postgraduates with the opportunity to apply their learning to industry, and provide the best preparation for their careers, many of whom are now thriving.
“But we have big aspirations for the future. That is why we are unveiling a revamped and revitalised approach to academic research into brewing and distilling through a new world-renowned centre for excellence, the Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling.
“We want to encourage people from around the world to help us fund this multi-million pound vision that sets the next generation of brilliant minds the challenge of finding ever more economically viable and environmentally sustainable ways of driving both industries forward into the 22nd century.”
The CSBD also aims to help close a growing skills gap in the sector through training programmes including graduate apprenticeships, executive education, and industry-led collaborations.
Ewan Andrew, President Global Supply Chain & Procurement and Chief Sustainability Officer at Diageo, said, “As a global leader in alcoholic beverages, we recognise the importance that brewing and distilling makes to Scotland’s – and indeed the world’s – economy. That is why we back Heriot-Watt’s plans for a Centre for Sustainable Brewing and Distilling.
“The CSBD will provide a new, modern environment for innovation, support the development of groundbreaking sustainable processes, and develop a new highly-skilled workforce that helps future-proof this vitally important economic contributor for decades to come.”
Jo Marshall, Brand Director at Carlsberg Britvic, added, “As the proud owner of McEwan’s – a world-famous beer born in Edinburgh and steeped in brewing heritage – we’re delighted to see Heriot-Watt investing in the future of the industry. Over a century ago, McEwan’s founder William McEwan collaborated with the university’s very first Professor of Brewing, Emil Westergaard, to drive forward brewing innovation.
“It’s inspiring to see that same pioneering spirit lives on today in plans for a new centre dedicated to sustainable talent development and innovation. This centre will not only shape the brewers of tomorrow but also equip them with the business acumen needed to thrive – just as McEwan did generations ago.”